KSHAMA VIRASYA BHUSHANAM - FORGIVENESS ADORNS THE BRAVE!

I forgive all living beings of the Universe,May all living beings forgive me for my faults.I have friendship for all living beings,I do not have any animosity towards anybody!This aphorism (Sutra) is one of the humble and great way to ask for forgiveness with the unity of the speech, mind, and body.The process of shredding our karmäs (wrong acts / works) really begins by asking for forgiveness with true feelings, and to take the vow not to repeat mistakes. The quality of the forgiveness requires humility (vinay - absence of ego) and suppression of anger.In one of his Holy discourse Lord Mahavir (the 24th Tirthankara - prophet of Jainism) has said "Forgiveness (Kshama) is the ornament of a brave person".The Bravery does not lie in proving the power but in Forgiving. At times we also experience that to Forgive one is the most difficult task in life.On this auspicious occasion of Kshamavani Divas, I respectfully seek Kshama from you and all living beings for hurting the feelings of any one, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word and action (mana, vachana aur kaya) during the past year, directly or indirectly and knowingly or unknowingly in any form, for any unpleasant and unwanted happenings.I also forgive all living beings that may have caused any pain and suffering to me. My friendship be with all living beings and no hostility towards anyone.

"Forgiveness Day" is a day of forgiving and seeking forgiveness for the followers of Jainism. It is celebrated on the Samvatsari, the last day of the annual Paryusana festival, which coincides with the Chaturthi, 4th day of Shukla Paksha, in the holy month of Bhadrapad, according to the Jain calendar. "Micchami Dukkadam" is the common phrase when asking for forgiveness. It is a Prakrit phrase meaning, May all the evil that has been done be fruitless.In 2012, Kshamavani Diwas is celebrated today on September 30.On this sacred day, every member of the Jain community approaches everyone, irrespective of religion, and begs for forgiveness for all their faults or mistakes, committed either knowingly or unknowingly. Thus relieved of the heavy burden hanging over their head of the sins of yesteryears, they start life afresh, living in peaceful co-existence with others. Indeed, this day is not merely a traditional ritual, but a first step on their path to liberation or salvation, the final goal of every man's life, according to the teachings of Jainism.Mahavira said we should forgive our own soul first. To forgive others is a practical application of this supreme forgiveness. It is the path of spiritual purification. Mahavira said: "The one whom you hurt or kill is you. All souls are equal and similar and have the same nature and qualities". Ahimsa Paramo Dharma. Anger begets more anger and forgiveness and love beget more forgiveness and love. Forgiveness benefits both the forgiver and the forgiven.Forgiveness is the other name of non-violence (Ahimsa) which shows the right path of 'Live and Let Live' to one and all. Forgiveness teaches us Ahimsa (non-violence) and through ahimsa we should learn to practice forbearance.Khamemi Savve Jiva I forgive all living beings.Savve Jiva Khamantu me May all souls forgive me,Mitti me Savva Bhooesu I am friendly terms with all,Veram Majjham Na Kenvi I have no animosity toward any soul.Michchhami Dukkadam May all my faults be dissolved.खम्मामि सव्व जीवेषु सव्वे जीवा खमन्तु में, मित्ति में सव्व भू ए सू वैरम् मज्झणम् केण वि |Khämemi Savve Jivä, Savve Jivä Khamantu Mi Mitti Me Savva bhuesu, Veram majjham na Kenai.[सब जीवों को मै क्षमा करता हूं, सब जीव मुझे क्षमा करे | सब जीवो से मेरा मैत्री भाव रहे, किसी से वैर-भाव नही रहे |Kshamavani Parva celebrates forgiveness as a way to a life of love, friendship, peace and harmony. When you forgive, you stop feeling resentful; there is no more indignation or anger against another for a perceived offence, difference or mistake; there is no clamour for punishment. It means the end of violence (Himsa).